Treatments
Office-Based Embolization: Minimally Invasive Relief, Close to Home
Embolization is a minimally invasive way to treat several common conditions — uterine fibroids, an enlarged prostate, and knee arthritis pain — by gently reducing the blood supply that feeds the problem. At Cardentey Vascular Care, these procedures are offered in a comfortable, office-based setting, so you can get advanced treatment with personal attention and a straightforward recovery, without a hospital stay.
What is embolization?
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a condition by reducing the blood flow to the specific tissue causing it. Through a tiny catheter guided with imaging, your physician delivers microscopic particles into the targeted blood vessels, slowing the blood supply so the problem tissue shrinks or quiets down. There's no large incision — just a needle-sized access point — and most people go home the same day.
What conditions can embolization treat?
Embolization can treat several conditions in which an overactive or excessive blood supply drives symptoms. Cardentey Vascular Care offers three office-based embolization procedures:
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) — for uterine fibroids
UFE treats symptomatic uterine fibroids — a very common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pain. By reducing the blood supply to the fibroids, UFE causes them to shrink and symptoms to ease, while preserving the uterus. It's a well-established, minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy or surgical fibroid removal, recognized by major medical organizations, with a shorter recovery than open surgery.
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) — for an enlarged prostate
PAE treats the bothersome urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) — frequent urination, weak stream, and getting up at night. By reducing the prostate's blood supply, PAE shrinks the gland and relieves symptoms. It's a minimally invasive, incision-free alternative for men who haven't gotten relief from medication or who want to avoid prostate surgery, and it's associated with a shorter recovery and a lower risk of sexual side effects than some surgical options.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) — for knee arthritis pain
GAE is a newer, minimally invasive treatment for the pain of knee osteoarthritis. In an arthritic knee, abnormal blood vessels can contribute to inflammation and pain; GAE reduces this excess blood flow to calm the inflammation and ease discomfort. It's an emerging option for people whose knee pain hasn't responded to conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy, but who aren't ready for — or want to delay — knee replacement.
Why have embolization in an office-based setting?
Having embolization in an office-based setting means a more personal, convenient experience for a procedure that doesn't require a hospital. You're cared for by a focused team in a calmer environment, scheduling tends to be more flexible, and because these are minimally invasive procedures, most people return home the same day and recover with little downtime. For the right patient, it combines advanced treatment with the comfort and ease of a local office visit.
What is recovery like after embolization?
Recovery after embolization is usually quick because there's no surgical incision. Most people go home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days to about a week, depending on the procedure. Some cramping, aching, or flu-like symptoms can occur for a short time afterward as the treated tissue responds, and your care team will help you manage any discomfort and follow your progress.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
No. Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure done through a needle-sized access point rather than a surgical incision. A thin catheter is guided to the target blood vessels using imaging, and most patients are awake with light sedation and go home the same day. It’s a non-surgical alternative for several conditions usually treated with surgery.
For many women, yes. UFE treats fibroid symptoms while preserving the uterus, avoids major surgery, and has a shorter recovery than hysterectomy or surgical fibroid removal. It isn't right for everyone, and some patients may need additional treatment over time, so the decision should be individualized with a thorough evaluation.
PAE is associated with a lower risk of sexual side effects, such as problems with ejaculation, than some prostate surgeries. This is one reason men consider it. As with any procedure, individual results vary, and an evaluation will help determine whether PAE is a suitable option for you.
GAE is an emerging treatment supported by a growing body of research showing it can relieve knee osteoarthritis pain for many patients, though it's newer than the other embolization procedures and not everyone responds. It's generally considered for people who've exhausted conservative care but aren't ready for knee replacement. An evaluation determines whether you're a good candidate.
Advanced treatment, in a comfortable setting
If you're dealing with fibroids, an enlarged prostate, or stubborn knee pain, embolization may offer relief without major surgery — in a convenient, office-based setting close to home.
Call our Largo office to learn whether embolization is right for you, or request an appointment online.